Subetering Faqs

1. What is submetering?

Typically a multi-residential property has one bulk meter for the entire property or a bulk meter for each building and the property is responsible for the entire bulk utility bill. Submetering allows a landlord, property management firm, condominium corporation, or multi-tenant property to bill tenants for individually measured electricity use.

Submetering empowers tenants to conserve electricity by putting them in control of their own electricity costs. Each tenant only pays for the energy they use, they do not subsidize their neighbours’ energy use.

How submeters work:

Submeters are connected to the electrical panel in the “electrical rooms” in the building.

2. Why should I submeter my building?

There has never been a better time to implement submetering in Ontario. As energy prices soar 45% over the next five years and rent increases are capped at 2.5% per year, no other energy management option can match the efficiencies of submetering:

Decrease operating costs

Increase property values

No capital costs

Reduce energy consumption by up to 34%

Reduce exposure to future price escalation

Allow residents to pay for only what they use and deliver a financial incentive for their conservation efforts

Wyse is unique in that we bring a full solution to our customers. From installing meters, to managing meter data, providing a fully compliant CIS, remittance processing and call centre services, we are well positioned to meet your submetering needs.

3. What utilities can I submeter?

Submetering offers efficiencies for all utilities – electricity, water and gas.

With Wyse’s advanced reporting service, you can analyze all of your utility usage data in a single online portal and identify opportunities to save energy, track large energy users and reduce operating costs.

4. What is a smart meter?

A smart meter has a digital display and built-in Automated Meter Reading (AMR), which records how much and when electricity is used, typically hourly, and transmits this information automatically. At Wyse we use the best technology and smart meters on the market.

One of the biggest advantages of a smart meter is accurate, detailed data monitoring for the customer. Tenants can view consumption data online and take control of their energy usage. Time-of-use rates provide a financial incentive for using energy at off-peak times, as well as helping the environment.

5. Who supplies the energy to a submeter?

The energy supplied to a submeter is no different from a bulk meter – the energy comes from local, regulated, licensed sources. The same high quality and availability are consistent in submetering.

6. What are the project costs to submeter?

At Wyse we deliver customized, turnkey submetering solutions with no capital costs or operating costs for the property manager, condo owner or developer. Bottom line, we pay for the meters and installation.

7. How do I get started?

8. How do I train my building staff for submetering?

Wyse provides a comprehensive training program and will train your property management employees at every level of your organization, from the executive team, to regional managers and front line/superintendent employees. The robust training program is designed to ensure a smooth rollout and is included in our turnkey services.

9. How do I train my tenants or condo owners for submetering?

Wyse provides a comprehensive customer service program and takes great care in welcoming and servicing tenants and condo owners.

We cover the submetering processes for installation, meter reading, enrollment, billing, reporting, payment, moving and energy conservation etc. We use a number of training tools, including presentations, collateral materials, online resources, ongoing call centre support and new customer information packages.

Tenants and condo owners can track their energy usage using Wyse’s online presentation tool and see how their conservation efforts result in cost savings.

Our training program includes a key focus on energy education and our experienced call centre can provide ongoing assistance.

11. How do I implement submetering in my new building?

Submetering a new building can be completed alongside the planned construction without expensive structural changes. At Wyse we know how to work with your contractors to deliver seamless solutions. Your smart meters & technology supports will arrive on time for installation, period. We can jump into a construction project with minimal lead-time and we can expertly get submetering up and running very quickly.

As residents move in, Wyse is ready to support them with new submetering information packages so they can immediately take control of their own energy costs.

Submetering a new building will set the stage for good management of energy use in common areas, ensure appropriate cost allocation and reduced maintenance costs.

12. How do I implement submetering in my existing building?

Submetering can be implemented in an existing building without costly structural changes.

Submeters are connected to the electrical panel in the “electrical rooms” in the building.